Monterey Peninsula Buddhist Temple

Monterey Peninsula Buddhist Temple The Monterey Peninsula Buddhist Temple is affiliated with the Buddhist Churches of America headquartered in San Francisco.

We belong to the True Pure Land Sect of Buddhism whose home temple is the Nishi Hongwanji in Kyoto, Japan. The Monterey Peninsula Buddhist temple serves the greater Monterey area with religious services, study classes, weddings, funerals and memorial services.

Fun Fact: Depending on where you live, the Obon dances you know may be different from those performed at another temple....
06/19/2026

Fun Fact: Depending on where you live, the Obon dances you know may be different from those performed at another temple. But don’t worry—there’s no need to feel embarrassed in the dance circle! Simply follow along, watch the dancers around you, and let your body move with the rhythm.

If you’d like to get a head start, you’re welcome to join one of our Obon dance practices!

📍 Monterey Peninsula Buddhist Temple
Every Tuesday & Thursday at 7:00 PM

📍 Watsonville Buddhist Temple ( )
Beginning June 22, every Monday & Wednesday at 7:00 PM

📍 Buddhist Temple of Salinas ( )
Beginning June 23, every Tuesday & Thursday at 7:00 PM

All three temples will continue hosting dance practices until their respective Obon Festivals. We hope you’ll join us and enjoy this wonderful tradition together!

In Gassho,

06/17/2026

Have you ever entered a room looking for something and suddenly forgotten what it was?

Many people come to a Buddhist temple in a similar way, seeking peace, meaning, or relief from suffering. My advice is simple: if something is truly important, do not stop searching for it.

A sutra teaches that true faith is not only believing that enlightenment exists, but also believing that people have attained it.

We are fortunate that countless practitioners before us have realized the Buddhist path. Their lives show that liberation is possible. Following their example, let us continue seeking nirvana with confidence and perseverance.

In Gassho,

🎐 Join Us for the 77th Annual Monterey Peninsula Buddhist Temple Obon Festival! 🎐Experience a cherished Japanese Buddhis...
06/11/2026

🎐 Join Us for the 77th Annual Monterey Peninsula Buddhist Temple Obon Festival! 🎐

Experience a cherished Japanese Buddhist tradition at the Monterey Peninsula Buddhist Temple’s 77th Annual Obon Festival on Sunday, July 12, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Obon is a time to express gratitude to our ancestors and those who have come before us. This family-friendly cultural festival will feature traditional Japanese arts, martial arts demonstrations, Buddhist programs, live performances, exhibits, food, and community dancing.

📍 Monterey Peninsula Buddhist Temple
1155 Noche Buena Street, Seaside, CA

Festival Highlights (may changed accordingly)

12:00 p.m. – Opening Ceremony (Yagura Stage)

Throughout the Afternoon

Ikebana (Ohara & Sogetsu Schools) Exhibits
Bonsai Display
Japanese Food and Cultural Exhibits
12:15 p.m. – Shorinji Kempo Monterey

12:30 p.m. – Tea Ceremony Demonstration (Urasenke)

1:00 p.m. – Aikido of Monterey

1:30 p.m. – Ikebana Demonstration (Ohara School)

2:00 p.m. – Introduction to Buddhism

2:30 p.m.

Bonsai Demonstration
Buyo Dance Performance (Bando Kyo Matsuri)
3:00 p.m. – Shinsho Mugen Daiko

3:30 p.m. – Obon Memorial Service

4:00 p.m. – Bon Odori Dancing

Whether you are returning to celebrate with family and friends or experiencing Obon for the first time, we invite you to join us for an afternoon of culture, community, and gratitude.

Admission is free. Everyone is welcome!

Are you ready to join the Obon dance circle? 💃🕺Obon Odori is a traditional Japanese Buddhist dance that expresses joy an...
06/11/2026

Are you ready to join the Obon dance circle? 💃🕺

Obon Odori is a traditional Japanese Buddhist dance that expresses joy and gratitude for life. Its origin is often connected to the story of Maudgalyayana (Mokuren), a disciple of the Buddha, who rejoiced after his mother was liberated from a realm of suffering through the guidance of the Buddha. His joyful celebration is said to have inspired the tradition of Obon dancing.

Today, Obon Odori remains one of the most cherished parts of Obon festivals, bringing people together in gratitude, remembrance, and community spirit. Whether you're a first-time dancer or a seasoned participant, joining a practice session is a wonderful way to prepare for the upcoming Obon season!

Please check the flyer for practice dates and times at the following temples:

📍 Monterey Peninsula Buddhist Temple
1155 Noche Buena St, Seaside, CA 93955

📍 Buddhist Temple of Salinas
14 California St, Salinas, CA 93901

📍 Watsonville Buddhist Temple
423 Bridge St, Watsonville, CA 95076

We look forward to dancing with you this summer!

It was a wonderful day surrounded by greenery and artistry! 🌿The Monterey Bonsai Club recently hosted its annual bonsai ...
06/11/2026

It was a wonderful day surrounded by greenery and artistry! 🌿

The Monterey Bonsai Club recently hosted its annual bonsai exhibition in our temple social hall, showcasing a beautiful collection of carefully cultivated trees. Each bonsai reflected years of patience, dedication, and appreciation for nature.

Thank you to everyone who helped make this event such a success!

Interested in learning more about bonsai or joining the club? Visit montereybonsai.org for more information.

06/10/2026

Have you ever found yourself replaying an unpleasant encounter long after it was over?

In this week's Dharma message, I reflect on a frustrating experience at a crowded gas station and a well-known story about the Buddha's response to anger. While we often wish others would recognize our frustration or admit they were wrong, we may discover that we are the ones continuing to carry the burden.

The Buddha taught that anger, like an unaccepted gift, remains with the one who offers it. This teaching invites us to look inward and ask: Are we still searching for someone to receive our anger even if nobody would?

By reflecting on the Buddha's Wisdom and Compassion, we may gradually find the strength to let go of the burdens we have been carrying and open our hearts to understanding and forgiveness.

06/03/2026

How do we practice Buddhism in everyday life?

While meditation, chanting, and temple attendance are important, the Buddha emphasized the value of spiritual friendship.

Sangha - the community of fellow practitioners - helps us encounter both our own limitations and the wisdom of the Dharma.

Through practicing together, we discover the Buddha’s guidance in our lives.

In Gassho,

05/27/2026

To apologize sincerely is an important part of every relationship.

When apologizing, it is important not to focus only on your own perspective or intention. Rather than simply explaining yourself, please try to understand what kind of pain or disappointment the other person experienced. An apology is not only about admitting fault; it is also an attempt to reconnect hearts and restore a relationship.

Once, I encountered a Buddhist saying:
“The words we speak come either from our own self-centered heart or from the Buddha’s compassionate heart.”

As long as we are only trying to protect ourselves, genuine communication cannot happen. Therefore, to apologize sincerely, we must also open our hearts and be willing to listen to the response.

In Gassho,

In the gravesite for Memorial Day, I want to note some words believing in that still resonates with our hearts today.{A ...
05/24/2026

In the gravesite for Memorial Day, I want to note some words believing in that still resonates with our hearts today.

{A message in 1967, preached by Rev. Kyoshiro Tokunaga}

To many young people some of the names inscribed on the headstones may not bring clear images of the deceased people.

Many, even, may not see how they related to those who died decades ago.

However, it does not require much imagination to understand that they themselves are related closely for they owe their well-being and even their lives to those who had passed on.

05/20/2026

There is nothing shameful about accepting help. In fact, much of our life already depends on the support of countless others.

Address

1155 Noche Buena Street
Seaside, CA
93955

Opening Hours

10am - 11am

Telephone

+18313940119

Website

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